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Orange County proclaims Black History and Human Relations Months and urges congressional action on DHS oversight
Summary
The Orange County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved proclamations recognizing Black History Month and Human Relations Month and adopted a resolution urging Congress to pursue accountability and reforms at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, citing concerns about civil-rights harms and erosion of public trust.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 3 unanimously approved proclamations designating February 2026 as Black History Month and Human Relations Month and adopted a resolution urging federal lawmakers to pursue reforms and stronger oversight of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Paul Slack, the county's chief civil rights officer, introduced the Black History Month proclamation, which the board read and approved. Vice-Chair Amy Fowler framed the action in a broader call for inclusion, quoting Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said. They will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Fowler said the county must ensure residents feel respected and welcome to engage in the community.
Commissioner Phyllis Portie-Ascott linked the county's observance to present-day concerns about aggressive enforcement and family separation, and offered a direct appeal to residents: "I want to say plainly to anyone in our community who feels unseen, unheard or left behind, that you matter. You are valued, and you deserve dignity, safety, and opportunity." The board unanimously approved the Black History Month proclamation and the Human Relations Month proclamation.
Separately, the board added and approved "A Resolution Advocating Accountability, Improved Oversight, and Reforms at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security" after Commissioner Marilyn Carter read the text. The resolution asserts that "citizens of the United States and law-abiding immigrants have suffered violence and the violation of their constitutional rights at the hands of agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security," states that public trust has been eroded, and urges the county's U.S. House and Senate members to take legislative action to ensure accountability and protect residents' rights. Chair Jean Hamilton was authorized to sign the measure; the vote was unanimous.
The actions were taken during the board's regular business meeting at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough. The proclamations reassert the county's commitment to civil rights and to public recognition of the contributions and history of Black Americans; the resolution asks federal legislators to consider reforms to federal immigration and enforcement operations.
The board took no further formal action on the resolution beyond adoption; the measure serves as a request to federal representatives rather than establishing local policy or enforcement changes.
